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Exposure Therapy in Tampa & St. Petersburg

Facing Your Fears & Finding Your Freedom

Therapist and client engaged in a supportive exposure therapy session in a cozy Tampa Bay counseling office

Exposure therapy is a powerful, evidence-based approach designed to help you confront and overcome debilitating anxiety, depression, and trauma. At It Begins Within, our expert therapists guide you safely through this transformative process, tailored to your unique experiences.

Who Can Benefit from Exposure Therapy?

Exposure therapy is highly effective for anyone experiencing:

  • Anxiety disorders

  • Panic attacks and panic disorders

  • PTSD and trauma-related stress

  • Social anxiety

  • Specific phobias

  • Depression related to avoidance behaviors

Our compassionate therapists in Tampa and St. Pete specialize in guiding individuals like you towards emotional freedom.

Understanding Exposure Therapy

Exposure therapy gradually introduces you to feared situations or memories in a safe, controlled environment. By repeatedly facing these triggers with support, your anxiety and emotional distress decrease significantly, allowing you to reclaim your life.

prolonged exposure therapy

Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) is a specialized form of cognitive behavioral therapy proven effective for treating PTSD and severe trauma. It involves revisiting traumatic memories in a structured, therapeutic setting, helping you to build tolerance and regain a sense of safety and control over your life. Typically completed over 8 to 15 sessions, PE is widely recognized as a highly effective treatment, especially for combat veterans, assault survivors, and anyone working through the lasting impacts of trauma.

Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET)

Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) is a trauma-focused approach that helps you process distressing memories by creating a detailed, chronological narrative of your life experiences. This storytelling process allows you to make sense of traumatic events, reduce emotional overwhelm, and build a coherent, empowering life story. NET is especially helpful for individuals who have experienced multiple or complex traumas.

Exposure and Response Prevention therapy

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy is a proven, evidence-based treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and related anxiety conditions. ERP involves gradually facing anxiety-provoking situations or thoughts while learning to resist compulsive behaviors or rituals that usually follow. This therapy helps break the cycle of fear and compulsion, leading to lasting relief and greater control over your daily life.

Our Approach to Exposure Therapy at IBW

we combine personalized treatment plans with proven, evidence-based methods to help you safely face and overcome your fears. Our skilled therapists integrate cognitive behavioral techniques, EMDR, and structured exposure protocols, all grounded in deep local knowledge of Tampa Bay and surrounding communities.

IBW’s Approach to exposure and desensitization therapy

  • Personalized Care: Tailored therapy plans addressing your specific fears and anxieties

  • Evidence-Based Techniques: Utilizing proven methods such as CBT, EMDR, and structured exposure protocols

  • Local Expertise: Therapists deeply embedded in the Tampa Bay community, accessible from Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties

Therapist attentively engaging with a client in a bright, calming Tampa Bay therapy office, symbolizing personalized and expert exposure therapy care

Exposure Therapists Near Me

  • Ciana Nguyen, Licensed Therapist specializing in Exposure Therapy for anxiety and trauma in Tampa, Florida

    Ciana Nguyen, MS, LCSW

    Licensed Therapist — Exposure Therapy Specialist in Tampa

  • Ashley Canto, Licensed Therapist providing trauma-focused Exposure Therapy in St. Petersburg, Florida

    Ashley Canto, MS, LCSW

    Trauma and Exposure Therapy Expert in St. Petersburg

  • Melissa Zentner, Licensed Therapist specializing in Exposure Therapy and CBT in Tampa Bay area

    Melissa Zentner, MS, LMHC

    Licensed Therapist — Expert in Exposure and Cognitive Behavioral Therapies

  • Lauren Pankuch, Therapist offering evidence-based Exposure Therapy for trauma and anxiety

    Lauren Pankuch, MA, LMHC

    Licensed Therapist — Exposure Therapy for Childhood Trauma and Anxiety Disorders

  • Paris McDonald, MA, LMHC delivering Exposure Therapy for anxiety and PTSD in Tampa Bay

    Paris McDonald, LMHC

    Licensed Therapist & Sexual Trauma Specialist

  • Emma Groskind, Licensed Therapist specializing in Exposure Therapy for anxiety and trauma

    Emma Groskind, MS, LCSW

    Licensed Therapist — Anxiety and Trauma Exposure Therapy Specialist

  • Kelly Morrissey, Therapist providing evidence-based Exposure Therapy in Tampa Bay

    Kelly Morrissey, MA, LMHC, LMFT

    Licensed Therapist — Evidence-Based Exposure Therapy for Anxiety and Trauma

  • Amanda Farris, Licensed Therapist specializing in prolonged exposure therapy and anxiety treatment in Tampa Bay, Florida

    Amanda Farris, MS, LCSW

    Licensed Therapist — Prolonged Exposure Therapy & Trauma Specialist for Anxiety in St. Pete, Clearwater & Largo

  • Tyler MacDonald, Therapist offering exposure and response prevention therapy for anxiety in Tampa, Florida

    Tyler MacDonald, MA, LMHC

    Therapist — Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy for Anxiety Near Me in Tampa, FL

  • Megan Midura, Therapist specializing in exposure response therapy and narrative exposure therapy in Tampa and St. Petersburg

    Megan Midura, MA, RMHCI

    Pre-Licensed Therapist — Exposure Response Therapy & Narrative Exposure Therapy Expert in Tampa & St. Pete

  • Dr. Mary Perleoni, Clinical Supervisor specializing in exposure therapy for anxiety and trauma in Tampa Bay, Florida

    Mary Perleoni, Ph.D., LMHC

    Clinical Supervisor — Leading Expert in Exposure Therapy for Anxiety & Trauma in Tampa Bay

meet top-rated exposure therapists in tampa

Frequently Asked Questions About Exposure Therapy

Is exposure therapy effective for anxiety and trauma?

Yes, extensive research supports exposure therapy as highly effective for anxiety disorders, PTSD, and trauma.

What happens during an exposure therapy session?

Sessions gradually and safely introduce you to triggers, supported by your therapist every step of the way.

How quickly does exposure therapy work?

Most clients experience noticeable improvements within 8-15 sessions, though timelines vary based on individual needs.

Does IBW offer virtual exposure therapy?

Yes, we provide both in-person and secure virtual therapy options for convenience across Florida.

Take the Courageous First Step Toward Healing in Tampa & St. Pete

You don’t have to navigate anxiety, trauma, or fear alone. Our exposure therapy specialists are here to guide you safely, compassionately, and close to home.